Ok, corny play on the "Degarmo" Park name. But I do think it's pretty cool that there is a nice little doggy park in Chico now where our furry four-legged friends (and their people) can congregate to run, play and socialize. A collaborative effort between the City of Chico and CARD (Chico Area Recreation District), the recently-completed Degarmo Park is located on Leora Ct., off the Esplanade, just north of Eaton Rd. (Click here for a map.)
I tagged along with son Gabe, the lovely Eva, and their newest family member Jasper recently, and it was a blast! Watching the dogs racing around on the lawn, meeting/greeting new and old friends in that funny, sniffing doggy way (remember, talking about the DOGS here). We even ran into Aggy and her "intendo" Brandon there with their cute, speedy little girl Harlow. The dog park is fully fenced (with a two-gated entry for defense against Houdini-type pets) and has drinking fountains for the dogs and their humans. If you have a friendly mutt, check it out!
“DOGarmo” Park
May 7th, 2010Kids & Kitchen!
April 29th, 2010
Kids & Kitchen! I visited this fun new Chico shop the other day and found lots of great kitchen gadgets as well as unique gift items. Artfully displayed tea towels, ceramics, oils and more nearly jump off the shelves, screaming to go home with you. Best of all, 100% of the money generated at Kids & Kitchen benefits programs for those with developmental disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy and Down's Syndrome.
This shop is an offshoot of The Little Red Hen Nursery (corner of 8th & Wall Street downtown Chico; click here for a short video tour), the 1997 brainchild of indefatigable Executive Director Teresa Wolk Hayes, whose son had been diagnosed with autism (read the story of its inception here)
Visit Kids & Kitchen at 959 East Avenue (the former site of Cathy's Sew 'n Vac), just east of Cohasset Rd. Mother's Day is right around the corner; check it out!
This shop is an offshoot of The Little Red Hen Nursery (corner of 8th & Wall Street downtown Chico; click here for a short video tour), the 1997 brainchild of indefatigable Executive Director Teresa Wolk Hayes, whose son had been diagnosed with autism (read the story of its inception here)
Visit Kids & Kitchen at 959 East Avenue (the former site of Cathy's Sew 'n Vac), just east of Cohasset Rd. Mother's Day is right around the corner; check it out!
Charming Vintage Home For Sale in Chico, CA!
April 6th, 2010Check out this charming, vintage home for sale in Chico, California!
Step into vintage "charm and character" on one of Chico's loveliest tree-lined avenues! Main house has 5 bedrooms, 2 baths, office, cozy fireplace, separate living and family rooms, cheery sunroom, wood floors, and coved ceilings. French doors look out to a lovely patio and there is even a basement for extra storage/wine cellar. Roomy second dwelling has the sweetest kitchen, a bonus room downstairs, separate bedroom, living room, and bath upstairs. Cottage last rented at $635/mo. Centrally located near downtown. A truly special "Chico Charmer"!
Click here for a VIRTUAL TOUR!
Click here to see more photos and info!
Curry in a Hurry?
March 31st, 2010
Ok, so I'm driving back to Chico yesterday (after attending an all-day advanced course in beautiful downtown Stockton on short sales and foreclosures--it's a sign of the times), intentionally timing my trip so that the hunger pangs would start right about Yuba City, home of one of my favorite eateries, "Taste of India." Imagine my surprise when I rolled into the parking lot (where it's nestled in a strip mall next to the The Dollar Store) only to enter a Twilight-Zone-Meets-Highlights-What's-Wrong-With-This-Picture scene. The sign on the door still read "Taste of India," but below it was a new little tag line, "Curry in a Hurry!" Below THAT was a cartoon figure of a Texas Longhorn (or what I'm guessing is a Longhorn anyway) emblazoned on a "Big JOHN'S Grill" sign! Huh. I would never have thought of combining those two cuisines.
Now, I guess Yuba City may not have caught on to the "Slow Food" movement yet (or maybe the proprietor just couldn't think of another catchy word to rhyme with "curry"). I used to love stopping in at the quaint little place and taking my time enjoying their Vegetarian Feast to the strains of sitar music emanating from the TV where videos of silkily-clad East Indian beauties cavorted. No more. Now I was feeling rushed before I even entered the premises. Curry in a Hurry! Perhaps not surprisingly, the dining section was entirely bereft of customers. All of the patrons were sitting in the new "saloon" section of Big John's Grill, while some sport or other blared away on the TV. I ordered cafeteria style, hurriedly consumed my meal (still tasty) and beat a hasty (ha! rhymes with tasty!) retreat. Next time I think I'll just do take out...only 45 minutes to Chico.
Now, I guess Yuba City may not have caught on to the "Slow Food" movement yet (or maybe the proprietor just couldn't think of another catchy word to rhyme with "curry"). I used to love stopping in at the quaint little place and taking my time enjoying their Vegetarian Feast to the strains of sitar music emanating from the TV where videos of silkily-clad East Indian beauties cavorted. No more. Now I was feeling rushed before I even entered the premises. Curry in a Hurry! Perhaps not surprisingly, the dining section was entirely bereft of customers. All of the patrons were sitting in the new "saloon" section of Big John's Grill, while some sport or other blared away on the TV. I ordered cafeteria style, hurriedly consumed my meal (still tasty) and beat a hasty (ha! rhymes with tasty!) retreat. Next time I think I'll just do take out...only 45 minutes to Chico.
Gorgeous Butte Creek Canyon Estate for Sale in Chico, CA
March 22nd, 2010
Gorgeous Butte Creek Canyon estate for sale in Chico, CA! Enjoy contemporary creekside (app. 800' of creek frontage) elegance at this secluded canyon retreat just 12 miles from town. Beautifully designed “Smart Home” features open floorplan with gleaming hickory flooring, 10 ft. ceilings, two master suites, 3 HVAC systems, oversized Westgate Hardwoods doors, and quality Loewen windows. Custom kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, dual fuel six-burner stove, slate backsplash, and a large island/eating bar. Romantic lighting throughout and stained glass transoms create an elegant aura of comfort. The 45 x 50 ft. heated/insulated shop offers extra parking plus ½ bath and RV hookups (separate septic). The grounds feature a pond with island, large pergola for outdoor entertaining, lush walking trails, and easy access to Little Butte Creek, all with breathtaking views of Lookout Point and Castle Rock. This is truly an exceptional home with a rare creek setting!For more information visit: http://www.chicolaura.com/
If you are intersted in seeing this home or similar homes in Chico, CA please give Laura Burghardt a call. (530) 864-6632, or e-mail Laura@ChicoLaura.com
Come to the Home, Garden & Antique Show!
March 18th, 2010
Hope you're planning an outing to the Home, Garden & Antique Show THIS weekend, March 20th and 21st! This is the largest fundraiser held by our local Soroptimist International of Chico club each year. And every year 100% of the gate proceeds get poured back into the Chico community for local charities, scholarships and organizations such as The Salvation Army, the Butte County Public Library, Catalyst Women's Shelter, and others.
Click here to see what the show has to offer, or view photos here from a previous show, and then mark your calendar to come out to the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico this Saturday or Sunday, 10 to 5. See you there!
Click here to see what the show has to offer, or view photos here from a previous show, and then mark your calendar to come out to the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico this Saturday or Sunday, 10 to 5. See you there!
Building Lot for Sale in Forest Ranch
March 17th, 2010
Wonderful building site for your dream home on Woodland Park Drive in scenic Forest Ranch! Located in a gated community (Humboldt Woodlands) on .61 acres, this lot features privace and incredible views. The subdivision has a pool, and each lot has a storage shed. HOA owns approximately 160 acres as open space. Partial house plans available (included in price with accepted offer). Call Laura at 530-864-6632 for more info!
Chico in Top 10 Again!
March 16th, 2010
Once again, our little town of Chico is in a nationwide "Top 10" list of best places to live! This time it's the April 2010 issue of Men's Journal. I haven't seen the actual magazine yet (hopefully it's not sold out here in Chico), but I did catch the local Chico E-R newspaper article. According to staff writer Laura Urseny, "How the university provides a plus to the community was mentioned, as well as the cultural and arts amenities that Chico provides."
Chico's legacy of "Best Of" ratings includes:
Chico's legacy of "Best Of" ratings includes:
- "Best Place to Retire" (2008 U.S. News & World Report, 2005 and 2006 CNN Money.com and 1998 Kiplinger's Personal Finance)
- "Best Green Places to Live" (2007 U.S. News Report)
- "Best Mid-Size Downtowns" (2007 California Planning & Development Report)
- "Fastest Commute Time" (2006 Money Magazine)
- "Best Small Art Town in America" (2003, Author John Villani)
- "Best Places in America" (2000 Forbes Magazine)
- "Best Bike Town in America" (1997 Bicycling Magazine--it rated Chico #1!)
- "10 Greenest Colleges in America" (2008 The Daily Green)
CASH FOR CAULKERS
March 8th, 2010
Heard of the new "CASH FOR CAULKERS" program the Obama administration is proposing? Also known as The Home Star Program, if approved by Congress it will offer rebates of $1,000 to $1,500, or 50% of the cost, for simple upgrades, such as windows and insulation, duct sealing, and energy-efficient water heaters, for a maximum of $3,000 per home.
Job creation could be a big selling point with Congress. It's been estimated the program could create 168,000 jobs in construction and related industries. (Andersen Windows refilled 600 positions because of increased demand last year driven by a $1,500 energy tax credit, says Jim Humphrey, CEO of Andersen, which currently employs 10,000 people.)
The concept is based on the popular "Cash for Clunkers" program, which helped spur auto sales last year. While we're awaiting word on congressional approval, you might want to check out sites like Flex Your Power or EnergySavvy.com for current rebates available. This may be the year to get some of those home upgrades done for greater energy efficiency. As President Obama says, "Insulation is sexy!"
Job creation could be a big selling point with Congress. It's been estimated the program could create 168,000 jobs in construction and related industries. (Andersen Windows refilled 600 positions because of increased demand last year driven by a $1,500 energy tax credit, says Jim Humphrey, CEO of Andersen, which currently employs 10,000 people.)
The concept is based on the popular "Cash for Clunkers" program, which helped spur auto sales last year. While we're awaiting word on congressional approval, you might want to check out sites like Flex Your Power or EnergySavvy.com for current rebates available. This may be the year to get some of those home upgrades done for greater energy efficiency. As President Obama says, "Insulation is sexy!"















